65739_Rachel_Retland
Rachel Retland, age 95 of Thompson passed away Monday February 18 at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.
Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Tuesday February 26, 2013 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson with Pastor Elaine Siemsen officiating. Visitation will be 5 –7 PM Monday February 25 at the church and one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson.
Rachel Norma Retland, daughter of Osmund R and Emma Olive (Mattison) Thorland was born May 10, 1917 on the Thorland family farm southwest of Thompson. She was the granddaughter of the Halvor H. Mattisons and great granddaughter of the Hans Mattisons who were of the early settlers of Linden Township.
Baptized in Linden Lutheran Church, confirmed in Bethany Lutheran Church, Thompson, of which she has since been a member.
She attended country school at Linden #2, two years of high school at Thompson, graduating from Forest City High School in 1934 with a Normal Training Certificate. She taught country school several years, was active in her church and circle, and a faithful Sunday School Teacher for several years.
United in marriage to Kenneth Retland April 24, 1938, they made their home on a farm southwest of Thompson until Kenneth~s death in 1996. She continued to live there until moving to her home west of Thompson.
Rachel appreciated the goodness of God, family, home and friends. She was especially fond of butterflies, birds, flowers and flower gardens. She and Kenneth planted butterfly gardens to enjoy. She was an avid reader (read every paper, including ads sent to her before destroying any of them). She collected poetry and writings and wrote poetry herself. She had the most beautiful handwriting, which was art in itself. She and Kenneth were helpmates; whether in field or house, with kids or animals. She liked sewing, making quilts, embroidering, and especially patching little and big boys jeans.
Survived by children Francile (Gary) of Thompson, IA; Ruby (Chuck) Curtsinger of McKinney, TX; Bernie (Chris) Waco, TX; Tim of Thompson, 12 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, sisters-in-law Charlotte Oulman of Thompson and Mary Thorland of West Des Moines, IA and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Harold and Verna Retland of Fremont, NE.
Preceded in death by parents, husband Kenneth, all 10 siblings – Harold, Judith, Emmet, Victor, twin brother Randolph, Daniel, David, Paul, Irene & Erling; one great granddaughter Rachael & several nieces and nephews.
Rachel lived a life of JOY with J – Jesus O – Others Y – Yourself (herself)